A Photographer's Resolution to Focus

It happens every year. As December 31st creeps in close, I feel this need to clean out the closets, clear out the clutter, organize and tag my mountain of photographs, choose my one word, and offer up a handful of resolutions to help guide the New Year. And while the first three activities deplete me, I have to admit I get a little dizzy with excitement over the one word and resolution exploratory thought process. (If you're not familiar with Ali Edward's one word concept, read this.)

As I continue to let my mind wander for the next four days before making my commitments to the next 365 days, I do have one resolution to share and something you might consider. Think about the idea of defining more focus with your photography in the form of a single or multi-part image series. Rather than making individual images, consider claiming a single concept or exploring a subject that intrigues you from a variety of angles. Take some time to scan through your image archive and let yourself pause on the images that stir your soul. What makes you pause? Is it the subject matter? Is it the location? What elements are common in these images? Is it a single person? A type of person? Or is it the story behind just one of your images? Write down the phrases or words that come to mind when you look at your images and see what type of connections your mind can make. If you could explore one concept in depth, what would it be?

Last weekend I started a new image series "One Family at Home" while I was snowed-in at a friend's home in Brooklyn. After spending two days in Manhattan, I was troubled by the fact that I hadn't shot a single image while I was in the city. Tons of interesting compositions and strangers found along the streets... yet nothing inspired me enough to even take the camera out of my backpack. But shortly after I climbed a flight of steps and walked through the door of the Simmon's home, my soul began to stir. Real life. Deep conversations. Family dynamics. Vivid little details of family on the fridge and along the shelves. Routines. All of it just fascinated me. And so, the idea for a new series (and a 2010 New Year's Resolution) was born. "One Family at Home", a multi-part image series, takes you to the heart of a home and explores the presence and influence of individuals, subtle interactions, and physical possessions defining the uniqueness of a family in its most natural environment. I intend to create at least four "One Family at Home" image series by this time next year. There. I said it. Now please hold me to it.

And here are a few diverse examples of image series that might inspire you to find your focus:

Elizabeth Fleming's Life is a Series of Small Moments

Phillip Toledano's Days with My Father

Amy Stein's Domesticated

Michael Loyd Young's Blues, Booze and BBQ

Mimi Mollica's Terra Nostra

Comments

[Marcie]

Love this idea of picking a single word to 'focus' on...and your set 'intention' to do a series of documenting families at home sounds fantastic. Altho I have nothing posted online to share - I did a similar series a few years ago of my daughter's 15th year - documenting her and her friends and their lives together.
You're inspiring me to do another. Than-you!!!

[Jen]

Yes, yes, yes! I am taking more pictures of the same and started at thanksgiving because I wanted to capture those intimate moments. The ones we miss because sometimes we are so focused on getting that ultimate picture.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32172714@N02/4168946441/in/set-72157622962588508/

[Mary Ann]

My 2010 Project is "I Live in Kent, Ohio". Kent's my adopted hometown since 2005. It's got history, architecture, great parks, quirks, and fun festivals. Definitelt a shoot-in-your-own-backyard project that I'm looking forward to.

[bright and blithe]

My project for 2010 is a new collaborative on Flickr: "Childhood: The Fine Print". The project is an attempt to capture the details of childhood that may be otherwise missed in our hurried snapshots of the usual holidays and celebrations. The challenge is that the images may not contain faces (eyes, noses or mouths). I'm loving it.

http://brightandblithe.wordpress.com/2009/12/18/a-new-flickr-collaborative/

[Darlene]

This exact idea has been stirring in me for a few months now. In fact I have already begun to document a friend and her relationship with her horses. Not just snapshots, but real emotions and interactions. She has a very unique relationship with animals and it is my intention to capture the intricacies that so naturally unfold in her world. Here are three links to what I've done so far:
http://www.whimsicalyearsphotography.com/blog/902/crossing-over-in-honor-of-nonsh/
(you'll need tissues for this one)

http://www.whimsicalyearsphotography.com/blog/936/horseplay-a-celebration-of-life/

http://www.whimsicalyearsphotography.com/blog/985/the-elements-of-play-maine-lifestyle-photographer/

[melissa]

My focus is on my own family for 2010. I take less everyday photos of my own kids when my portrait schedule fills up, and I want to change that!

[Kiesha]

I'am the mom of three boys ages 12, 5, and 3 months. I thought I would focus on photographing them in 2010, not just the typical shots but just catching them in the act!

[lee-ann]

ok, so there is a photo in the Micheal Loyd Young sets that struck me, the one with the sign that reads 'store protected by pitbulls...with AIDS. Wow. I love those shots, you can feel the heat. Love the idea of focusing on a theme - good way to begin the new year.

[erika]

That's why & how I've been trying to focus on a 2010 365 project. I hope I can do it, so thanks for the inspiration.

[Amie aka MammaLoves]

I really like this idea. I'm also working to set up a photography business this year, so I'm in full planning mode...

[emily]

Oh! I absolutely love this! I've never endeavored to create a focused photography project (except for a 30 mornings project I did in August this year) A year long project excites me! I am going to try this! --I might need a support group.--

Also, I love the one word project as well. I'm going to put more thought into that in these final folds of 2009.

[Elizabeth Harper]

I just found and posted on Facebook a B & W documentary look at Hallway Romeo's that I did 31 years ago in high school.

I love the power in storytelling through photographs.

[Kate @ Little House]

Thanks so much for the inspiration - I'm bubbling over already!
And the photo essays are amazing. Phillip Toledano's 'Days with My Father' made me cry...

[Amy]

I love the idea of using a series of images to tell a story. I do that whenever I can on my blog, usually doing a "mini-series" of photos (with words) for a blog post. Not every situation lends itself to a series of photos, but many do. I love your "One Family at Home" idea - your photo above is so great!

[claudia]

I'm in agreement with several others to photograph my own boys more, even if they are sometimes uncooperative! I'm really liking bright and blithe's group idea! Focusing on one concept would definitely give me constant direction. Thank you for this post Stephanie!
And I have to say, Phillip Toledano's shots brought tears to my eyes again, I had forgotten that I had seen that a while ago and was moved then as well. A reminder to be deliberate and intentional in documenting our own family memories along side our clients'.

[Photographer Cheshire]

You new image series "One Family at Home" sounds interesting. I would like to view it. By the way thanks for sharing this wonderful article.

[kristin]

i lack focus. i think that is my greatest fault as a photographer. i love too many styles and dabble in them all. this is inspiring to me yet also a little daunting. to choose and commit. can i do this? i am not sure. thanks for the though provoking post. and wow "days with my father" is hauntingly beautiful.

[cindy]

i do like to create projects for myself, but one word for an entire year would be hard for me. i've started something called two views. mostly, it will be one photo from the am and one from the pm, although i can break my own rules. i love 3191 and other similar blogs, so we'll see how it goes. i'd like the pair of images to tell a story of some sort -

http://www.flickr.com/photos/71443419@N00/sets/72157623087701726/

the examples you shared and your concept are wonderful. happy new year, sisters!

[Angel]

Thanks, Stephanie - You always inspire me.

Angel

[Kellee]

I love the one word. In fact, I recently blogged about my "one word", and it was - indeed - focus! :) Awesome, this project of yours sounds exciting and I look forward to following you. :)